Building

Our Mission

The mission of the Building Division is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the Town's residents and visitors through the enforcement of the State and local laws, bylaws and regulations.

About the Division

The Building Division is charged with the enforcement and interpretation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR and the Access Regulations, 521 CMR, as adopted, Article VIII of the Andover Code, Andover Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws. The Building Division also enforces Article 33 of the Andover Bylaw, Demolition of Historically Significant Buildings and Structures, and Article 36 of the Andover Bylaw, Ballardvale Historic District Bylaw.

The Division enforces the compliance of the conditions on the Variances and Special Permits granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and assists in the enforcement of the Planning Board restrictions of the Site Plan Certificates of Approval. The Division issues permits for all construction regulated by the State Building Codes, and performs all related inspections. The Division works in cooperation with the Andover Fire Department for fire protection of all new and existing buildings. Included within the Building Division are the Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Sealer of Weights and Measures.

The Building Division issues permits for all types of construction including, but not limited to:

Additions and alterations to all structures

Business

Chimneys

Commercial and industrial buildings

Dormitories

Institutional buildings (nursing homes)

Multi-family as well as single family dwellings

Pools

School buildings (both public and private)

Signs

Building officials also perform periodic inspections for those buildings, which are required to obtain Certificates of Inspection under State Building Code, Table 108.

The Electrical Inspector is responsible for receiving and granting permits and scheduling inspections on a daily basis, approving electrical plans for new buildings, and inspecting commercial and residential jobs.

The Town of Andover is pleased to offer licensed contractors and home/property owners the ability to apply, pay for, and receive building, electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical permits online through ViewPermit, our permitting partner.